If you like sunny days, early mornings, hopper-filled afternoons...now is the time!
Current Conditions:
The float section below Lyon’s Bridge is the happening place right now, with caddis and PMDs thick, along with a few late Golden stoneflies as well. The terrestrial fishing is getting better. Nymph fishing has produced consistent results with large sculpin patterns now starting to move more fish. The rubber leg stones are still producing with the tail end of the nocturnal stone hatch, especially on the lower reaches of the river. Some type of caddis-related pattern as a dropper is a good idea in the early morning, and then smaller attractor nymphs behind something big is a safe bet for after 11 am.
Eight Mile FAS to Ennis Reservoir is under Hoot Owl Restrictions. That means the river is closed to fishing from 2 PM to Midnight. You can always check with FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for the most up-to-date angling restrictions.
The Month Ahead:
Continue to target the deeper slots where the fish are concentrated. As air temps heat up expect dam releases to increase and flows to bump up a bit which should help water temps on the lower section of the river closer to Ennis. The fishing scenario isn't going to change much in the coming weeks from the current report. Terrestrials will become more important and the beetle and ant fishing should improve.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison is a very consistent fishery and this season should continue to produce good results up and down the river. The reports listed above should hold out into mid September. Things start to change a bit later in the fall with some baetis mayflies becoming an important factor. Fall fishing is always good on the Upper Madison.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Upper Madison Flies Right Now:
Olive Zonker in size 6
Three Dollar Dip in sizes 14-20 in brown
Any variation of a Dungeon in darker colors in sizes 4-10
Caddis dry flies--especiall in the Channels section. Stick with high-floating dries in sizes 12-16
Pat's Rubberlegs in coffee/black in size 6-10
Black and brown Zurdles in size 8-12
BH Pheasant Tail in size 12-16
Beaded SJ Wormies in size 10
BH Prince in size 12-16
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